Spurs survive in Memphis, 105-100, as streak rises to 21.

A back-and-forth slug fest, the Spurs took on the rival Grizzlies in what wound up being a one-possession war of attrition. Kawhi Leonard smashed a dunk past the Grizzlies to start the 2nd Quarter, but was unable to take over the game.

San Antone held the lead by a thread, basket for basket until the fourth quarter. Memphis took the lead due to Marc Gasol's strong play (19 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal).

Iman Shumpert (20 points, 2 steals) nearly hit a dagger with 1:40 left in regulation, but his 3PT bomb was matched by Garrett Temple (6/10 3PT, 18 points) as the war trickled onward. Marc Gasol would make a lay-in to give Memphis the lead, mounting pressure on the weary Spurs squadron led by Coach Popovich (who looked on intensely from the sidelines, confident in his guys). Iman Shumpert made a difficult layup to reclaim a 97-96 advantage, only for Gasol to hit again. Stepping up big time for the Spurs, Dejounte Murray (18 points, 5 assists) capitalized on a play drawn up for him in the heat of the moment, rather than Leonard, delivering on a clutch and-1 layup. The lead now at two points, Temple missed a corner 3PT attempt to try and swipe the lead back, and Kawhi Leonard's moment came. The Claw muscled his way to the rim, making a tough left-handed layup and made the free throw, forcing Coach Bickerstaff to look on doubtfully, his team now down by five points.

In response, Kyle Anderson missed a corner 3PTer but Jarren Jackson, Jr tipped the ball back in. Then, Pau Gasol made both free throws to ice the victory. Temple launched one last three, but misfired, as the Spurs have now won 3 of 4 meetings with Memphis this season. The streak was nearly snapped tonight, but endures thanks to 21 points by Leonard with 2 steals. Pau Gasol tried to step up for the Spurs, managing 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Avery Bradley notched 10 points with 2 steals, hitting a three early in the fourth to maintain breathing room. Patty Mills made two 3PT shots with 6 assists and Joakim Noah palmed 8 rebounds.

"The playoffs are coming!" Joakim told reporters after the satisfying win, with the young 'n tough Philadelphia 76ers visiting the Alamo City next. Will the streak reach 22? Much spectacle would be in store if the Spurs keep building this streak until they meet the Rockets, and then the Warriors.